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Mango: Orange for the Rest of Us
On the fence about decorating with orange? Ease into it with mango, a gentler tone that makes rooms no less striking
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
I've never really made friends with orange. I tried hard when it became the new darling of the design world a decade ago, but we just couldn't find common ground. (Perhaps, had an Hermès box entered the picture, our relationship might have blossomed.)
Now, though, I think I've found a shade I can live with: mango. It has all the warmth and presence of true orange, yet it doesn't shout or overwhelm its surroundings. And while it's subdued, it's still strong enough not to read as peach (a hue with which I definitely will never get along). If, like me, you've been reluctant to explore the orange side of life, make note of these 10 ideas for taking that first step.
Now, though, I think I've found a shade I can live with: mango. It has all the warmth and presence of true orange, yet it doesn't shout or overwhelm its surroundings. And while it's subdued, it's still strong enough not to read as peach (a hue with which I definitely will never get along). If, like me, you've been reluctant to explore the orange side of life, make note of these 10 ideas for taking that first step.
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This lovely sitting area represents mango at its best. The upholstered slipper chair commands the setting in an elegant, suave manner, balanced by the peaceful white and gray notes in the space. The artwork picks up just enough of the orange hue to make the look feel coherent.
| Teal blue and mango represent a modern interpretation of the classic blue and orange color pairing. Because the orange hue in this space is gentle, and the teal is so strong, the room reads as blue — mango is merely a supporting player. |
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Here's a similar take on orange and blue, with the proportions reversed. The blue helps to tone down the wall color and keep it from feeling cloying, and creates a sort of inverse focal point.
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| Small accents are a great way to test out any color you're not sure about committing to. A pair of stools under this console table sparks the quiet scene, and they're a cinch to swap out if you tire of the color. I love that peekaboo band of mango inside the pendant, too, which absolutely makes the room. |
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If you're ready to take the full plunge into orange, this kitchen represents one way to go there without overdoing it. The mango hue of the cabinetry certainly isn't for shrinking violets, but it's not as loud as tangerine or safety-cone orange would be.
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| One great strategy for cutting the intensity of orange: Pair it with pink. Sweet strawberry combined with a mango-colored headboard and rug give this bedroom the lightness of a bowl of sorbet. |
Against the strong patterns and showy accents in this space, the sinuous lamp might have gotten lost if it weren't in such a bold shade. The mango base draws just enough attention to highlight those gorgeous curves.
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Cloaked in gentle orange, this room simply glows. The mango hue is like a little slice of sunset, no matter the time of day. An Oriental rug grounds the wall paint and makes it feel traditional, which lends an inherently softer mien.
| A mango-hued table and benches not only add a stroke of color to an all-white kitchen, but they also help to pull the gaze toward the stunning view outside. Patios, porches and other outdoor rooms can be perfect spots for road testing bold colors — the natural brightness of the sun and the vivid greens of foliage dilute their impact. |
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| A mango coverlet folded at the end of the bed, paired with a coordinating side chair, pumps up what could have been a bland bedroom. More: Rhymes With Orange Opposites Attract: Orange and Blue |
Ideabook published on June 18, 2012.
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I just recently painted a wicker table for the porch a nice deep orange and it is one of the things that makes me happy each day.